“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” —Henry Ford
I like Henry Ford’s quote. We are beat before we start if we think we can’t do something. But if we are the Little Engine that Could and keep saying “I think I can,” then we have a better chance of getting to the top of whatever hill we are chugging toward.
Tuesday I celebrated getting over that hill with the story I wrote last year. There were times when I was writing The Pursuit of Elena Bradford that I was almost like the tired old train engine in that story that said “I tried, but I can’t.” The story had some difficult moments when I wasn’t sure my characters were leading me along the right story paths. Even after the story was written and all dressed up in a beautiful cover ready to be sent out to readers, I wondered if those readers would think I hadn’t. I’m so happy that comments and reviews are coming in that say maybe I did get that story up the hill and over the crest to where readers are glad they picked up this book to read.
Here are a few snippets of reviews my publishers sent me to celebrate release day.
“With a Southern flair and a spark of intrigue, this stand-alone clean historical romance will charm readers with masterful artists, colorful dances, a love triangle, and endearing family relationships.”
“The Pursuit of Elena Bradford by Ann H. Gabhart transports readers to a lovely respite for what ails you.”
“The story keeps you invested in the outcome and cheering for as many happily-ever-afters as possible.”
“I enjoyed all the different elements to the plot as well as the compelling history and the author’s warm writing voice, but more than anything I appreciated the gentle spiritual truths.”
“The Pursuit of Elena Bradford by Ann H. Gabhart is an engaging historical romance novel . . . . The cast of side characters, accompanied by a bit of a murder/mystery, made this novel hard to put down.”
“This is an amazing book filled with suspense, intrigue, a mystery, and more!”
It’s great to know readers are loving the story. I’m also very thankful for my early readers who are posting reviews all over the place to talk about Elena and the choices she had to make for family and love.
That was my big celebration this week. Release day for another story where characters came to life in my head and found a way to tell their story through my fingers on a keyboard and now those characters are springing to life for those reading the words I wrote. It’s a sharing circle of writer and reader. It takes both to make a story truly come to life.
Celebration #2
My other celebration was that Tuesday night, I found those special words “The End” on my work in progress.
“Where shall I begin, please, your Majesty?” he asked.
“Begin at the beginning,” the King said, gravely, “and go till you come to the end: then stop.” (Lewis Carroll)
I started at the beginning and went on to the end. Now it’s time to see if I told the story I intended to tell or simply filled too many pages with words.
It needs some work. I need to cut out a bunch of words to make it better, but I got to the end. That is worthy of celebration.
Fun News
You can catch me talking to Jaime Jo Wright on her podcast, MadLit Musings. We laughed a lot and enjoyed talking writing. Jaime Jo has written some amazing award winning stories. We talked more about The Pursuit of Elena Bradford than her books, but you should check hers out if you like to try a story with a little different aura and plenty of suspense.
What are you celebrating this month?
Comments 1
May is not a good month. It was the month my Mom was born in, and has Mother’s Day, and since Mom isn’t here, it’s just rough to get through! Once Mother’s Day is over, I’ll do much better!!